AFL Announces 2018 Schedule, Rule Changes and League-Wide Ticketing

BALTIMORE, MD - Today, the Arena Football League announced its 2018 schedule along with some exciting new playoff rules changes that guarantee the excitement of a home playoff game in every city and a new league-wide ticket pass that will give fans a chance to experience the fun of arena football on the road. Now, when Brigade fans join The Battalion by purchasing a season ticket membership, the package will include tickets to see the Brigade in each of the opposing teams' markets.

The 2018 Brigade regular season, presented by MedStar Health, kicks off in Baltimore, Md. on Fri., April 13, when the Brigade host the Washington Valor at 7 p.m. at Royal Farms Arena. Following their season opener, the Brigade travel to Philadelphia on Sat., April 21 for a Week 2 matchup with the defending-champion Soul, a rematch of last season's semifinal matchup.

The Brigade then head back to Baltimore for a two-game home stand with games against the Albany Empire, playing in their inaugural season, and another matchup with the Soul. The Brigade are the only team in the AFL to start the season playing three of their first four games at home.

"We are incredibly excited about the 2018 season and cannot wait to get back out on the field in pursuit of a championship," Brigade head coach Omarr Smith said. "With each team meeting four times over the course of the regular season, there will be an unprecedented level of familiarity that will enhance the on-field action, rivalries and storylines - and will make for an unforgettable fan experience. It is going to be an extremely competitive season and will be a ton of fun for the fans."

"Arena football is one of the fastest, most engaging games out there," said Ron Jaworski, Chairman of the AFL Executive Committee. "We are excited to announce some exciting changes for the 2018 season that we believe will bring fans even closer to the game -- both at home and on the road. These changes guarantee the excitement of a home playoff game in every city, and give fans a chance to experience the fun of an away game."

More detail on these changes, as well as some exciting new league partnerships, will be announced in the coming weeks.

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FULL 2018 BALTIMORE BRIGADE REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE:

WEEK
DATE
OPPONENT
VENUE
TIME

1
Fri., April 13
vs. Washington Valor
Royal Farms Arena
7 p.m.

2
Sat., April 21
@ Philadelphia Soul
Wells Fargo Center
7 p.m.

3
Sat., April 28
vs. Albany Empire
Royal Farms Arena
3 p.m.

4
Fri., May 4
vs. Philadelphia Soul
Royal Farms Arena
7 p.m.

5
BYE
BYE
BYE
BYE

6
Sat., May 19
@ Washington Valor
Capital One Arena
3 p.m.

7
Fri., May 25
vs. Philadelphia Soul
Royal Farms Arena
7 p.m.

8
Sat., June 2
@ Albany Empire
Times Union Center
7 p.m.

9
Sat., June 9
@ Albany Empire
Times Union Center
7 p.m.

10
Fri., June 15
vs. Washington Valor
Royal Farms Arena
7 p.m.

11
Sat., June 23
vs. Albany Empire
Royal Farms Arena
7:30 p.m.

12
Sat., June 30
@ Philadelphia Soul
Wells Fargo Center
7 p.m.

13
Sat., July 7
@ Washington Valor
Capital One Arena
3 p.m.

ADDITIONAL SCHEDULING NOTES:

The Brigade play 12 regular season games in total - six at home and six on the road. Week 5, scheduled for the weekend of May 11-13, will be a bye week for all AFL teams. Baltimore takes on each AFL team four times - two at home and two on the road. The Brigade play consecutive matchups in Albany in Week 8 and 9, taking on the Empire at Times Union Center on Sat., June 2 and Sat., June 9. Baltimore's final home game will be against Albany on Sat., June 23 at 7:30 p.m. at Royal Farms Arena. Baltimore plays nine night games and three afternoon games. The Brigade play four games on Friday and eight games on Saturday. The Brigade close the 2018 regular season with a pair of road games, Sat., June 30 in Philadelphia and Sat., July 7 in Washington, D.C. Scheduling for the 2018 AFL postseason will be released at a later date.

TICKETS:

Full season ticket memberships are currently on sale for 2018 and start as low as $8 per game. Exclusive group packages are also on sale now so call now to reserve your group of 10 or more. For additional information about joining The Battalion full season ticket membership club and our group ticket packages please call the Brigade Ticket Sales office at 667.930.0200 or e-mail ticketsales@baltimoreafl.com. Single game tickets and the full promotional schedule to be released in the coming weeks.